Jungle Island Welcomes Baby Baboon

A Hamadryas baboon was born at Jungle Island on March 26th, 2013. (Source: Jungle Island)

MIAMI (CBSMiami) – It’s been a busy month for the caretakers at Jungle Island. A week after announcing the birth of two ligers, they welcomed a baby baboon to their growing family.

The baboon, born Wednesday, is being cared for by its four-year-old mother, Isis. Jungle Island is home to a troop of four Hamadryas baboons. The newest member makes a total of five.

“The baboons at Jungle Island are a playful bunch and popular among our visitors who enjoy watching them,” said Dr. Jason Chatfield, vice president of zoological operations. “It’s an excellent sign that Isis – a first-time mother – is taking care of her baby. We feel the newborn will make a great addition to the family.”

The Hamadryas baboon is considered an old world monkey native to Ethiopia, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen. Baboons are found in open savannah, open woodland and hills across Africa. They also are known to be extremely adaptable and adjust well in a variety of habitats.